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PLEASE HELP me if you can. I have a 3 week old canary that I found bleeding from the foot area. After making sure the bleeding had stopped I put him back with his parents (who continue to feed him, even though he can eat on his own). Now, 2 days later, he will fly and eat, but stands on one leg. His foot looks mangled. I suspect he may have gotten got up in his nest or cage cover and possible fractured his foot. It looks purple compared to the other leg. I don't know what to do?! Sometimes handling them causes shock that is worse. I was going to clean it by soaking it in Betadine and warm water, ever so gently. I use 1 tsp Betadine per 28 oz of water. Any advice?

Definitely one for the vet ASAP. If it's broken, the sooner it is treated the better to avoid complications. Even if not possible to completely repair it, it my be possible to lessen the permanent damage. Just keep it warm and transport in a small cage or (ventilated) box with a soft towel on the bottom and no perch. Good luck, and let us know how it does.

Yes, you need an avian vet ASAP.

Thanks to both of you for your quick response. I found out that I blew it and waited to long to have him checked and he will most likely lose his foot. But there should not be any problem having only one foot. ( I beg to differ....) FYI. possible fractures have to be treated within the first 24 hours. I now also know how to split, in case I need to in the future. (Knock on wood!)

Sorry to hear that he may lose the foot, but we all live and learn. We try to do our best . . .

I have seen rescue birds with crippled or missing feet and they do ok in cages with very low perches and cushioned bottoms. You'll just have to make sure that he can get to his food and water or that you put him within reach of it. Hopefully, if they do have to amputate, the vet will have some advice about how to help him handle it.

Good luck to you both!

Ive seen many reports of finches and canaries doing well with one foot. Platform perches work great. Since they fly from place to place, they arent hampered as much as a parrot would be.